Alienware Steam Machine disassembly and upgrades, Yellow light repair, and Windows 10 install!
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- Опубликовано: 3 фев 2021
- In this video we turn this Alienware alpha into the computer it was meant to be. SSD upgrade, yellow light repair, Windows 10 install, and memory upgrade!!
Follow me on Instagram and Twitter @dlmtechgarage
Memory
www.amazon.com/Samsung-DDR3L-...
battery
www.amazon.com/dp/B07CLC97ZY/...
SSD
www.amazon.com/Silicon-Power-...
toolkit
www.amazon.com/iFixit-Pro-Tec... 
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This is the most concise video on the matter I found, so thanks for that.
Glad it was helpful!
this was perfect in describing exactly what my friend needed to fix his Alpha i bought him in 2016 to enjoy PC games with us. He still coming around but this video explains exactly what i was describing to him. Thank you. well done sir.
glad the video could help and thanks for watching. let me know if you need anymore help!!
great video! i ended up with one of these and im about to clean it out. Thanks again!
looking forward to a latest steam machine!
Another great video! Keep up the good work my friend
Thanks mane!!
You’re on a roll brotha!!
Thanks!! looking forward to your next video!!
Dude your videos are great
Keep the Good work
Thanks greatly appreciate and thanks for watching!
Awesome video,u deserve more subscriber
Much appreciated, thanks for watching, hope you can share the channel!!
Picking one up for $50 off Facebook tomorrow! Thanks for the info
wow that's a steal of a deal.
Interesting thank you
Nice vid man. I'm huge fan of "decent' hardware. It's always fun pushing it as far as it goes.
yea nothing like going back and make it what you would dreamed of. especially since its way cheaper to now lol... I am actually looking to build my dream pentium 4 windows xp from 2003 since I can literally buy all the parts for less the $100 lol...
@@DLMtechgarage haha nice! Right I remember drooling over a 512MB gpu back in the day 😂
@@stevenwilliams6638 i know right lol.. I got a 512mb gpu that was like $400 back in the day for like $10... crazy...
The USB key connected at the bottom of the motherboard is not a flash memory with Steam OS, it is a wireless receiver for the Steam Controller. It is included with the Alienware Steam Machine, while a Xbox 360 receiver and controller is included with the Alienware Alpha version.
really hope they bring the steam controller back
Thanks brooo very helpful
Happy to help
Wish value still supported this thing because mini pc are very popular now and feel like they should've waited
That usb dongle in the storage area is the Steam Controller dongle. You don't need it for the steam controller to function if you update the controller firmware, however the firmware has some install issues so it's better to keep the dongle around if you plan on using the steam controller.
Yea I was thinking that was what it was for, I left it in.
Does the dongle come with the computer?
@@eperales714 No, it originally came with an Xbox controller.
Msi afterburner and sliding the core clock to +100-135mhz does wonders. Easy 5-10% performance boost in games. Been too lazy to figure out if undervoltng is possible on the cpu.
if possible the undervolt would give better temps, sustain boost and allow more performance the would be awesome. i too wonder if it's possible, don't have this computer anymore.
Great job!
Thanks!
@@DLMtechgarage specs? Ram duel channel?
@@BayareaXotics this one was an i3 4th gen and yes it has dual channel.
I have buy a i7 8700T and testing this in my alpha r2 the next days.
It's not working, the pc is not started, black screen, no power, alpha r2 is off 🤷♂️
I had the problem with the yellow light light issue and instead of unplugging and resetting the cemo battery all my brother did was plug it in and turn it on and it's working correctly now
i think this is a good video
Thanks!!
I really need to do this with mine 😅
def do it. it is actually pretty easy and with the upgrades makes this thing wrong way better!
in demanding games use resolution scale or set the res to 720p. most games can run at a locked 60 or 30 fps like that. I finished RE3R at 720p 50-60fps medium.
good info thanks.
You should try ChimeraOS.
was gonna spend a grand making a custom rig before seeing this. thanks for saving my bank account
I'm pretty sure that USB is the Steam Controller wireless USB. Still using the R2 of this PC with an RTX 2080-TI hooked up.
yea i learned it is after the fact. nice rig!
Thats the steam controller dongle lmfao
Love it. But I rather just build a gaming PC in this same form factor, and install steam OS on it. Give it that console feel with a full PC rig experience
that's the best way to use these. steam os really not worht it in my opinion when you can do way more with a windows machine.
@Kalina Ann I would if I still had this computer. sold it for a nice profit a while back.
@@DLMtechgarage moron for selling it
that usb is the dongle for the steam controller
yea i learned that later on lol... thanks!!
Tip: In Steam go to Steam>Settings>Interface and check these 2 boxes: 1) Run Steam when my computer starts 2) Start Steam in Big Picture Mode. It will be as if you have Steam OS installed. I call it console mode.
good advice, get the best of both world this way. Thanks!!
Hivemind Kodi made the computer boot into Big picture mode even faster making a better Controller console experience. SSDs are recommended for Alphas
Can u plz tell me which memory u used the link for Amazon no longer works. Thanks
posted a new link and will post it below, but it was Samsung ddr 3 1600 so dimm memory
www.amazon.com/Samsung-DDR3L-1600-SODIMM-Notebook-Memory/dp/B00T6FHHE2/ref=sr_1_4?crid=1BFF2ZP6TO1AO&keywords=samsung+pc+3+12800&qid=1665093905&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIxLjQ4IiwicXNhIjoiMC4wMCIsInFzcCI6IjAuMDAifQ%3D%3D&s=electronics&sprefix=samsung+pc+3+12800%2Celectronics%2C134&sr=1-4
I was able to switch the os from a Linux os to a windows 10.best choice ever. I bought mine a few months after launch so I need to up grade. How much to do a complete overhaul in you opinion.
yea win 10 is def the way to go for this, as far as an overhaul it just depends on what the customer wants done for example I did one wear they requested the battery fix, fresh copy of windows 10, 512gb ssd upgrade and more ram. battery cost 10, 60 for a ssd and 30 for the ram, i don't charge for windows as i include it in my service fee my service fee is 60 so this cost the customer 160 usd for everything.
Just a note, the graphic amplifier you mention only works with the alienware alpha or steam machine r2, not the r1 you have here in the video.
Its a great little box but i think it will run better with the Linux GamerOS vs the overhead of Windows.
Yea I agree, windows has too much overhead that uses up resources, Thanks for the clarification on the amplifier. Wish I would of kept this little guy but it sold for way more then I paid for it. These Alienware's sell quick and for a penny.
@@DLMtechgarage I actually have a brand new never used i3 R1 Windows 10 version that I totally forgot about 😊. Purchased 2 back in Dec 2016 and only used 1 of them. Only opened it up to add 1TB SSD and 16GB RAM. Thinking about selling it. This thing is probably a collector's item now.
@@206deeznutz def is if you have all the original packaging, I have seen them sell in my area for about $600
@@DLMtechgarage yep all original packaging and everything. Like I said, I only opened it up last week to upgrade to a SSD and max RAM. Never been touched before that. This version comes with the OEM Alienware keyboard and mouse too. You interested or know anyone that would be?
@@206deeznutz pm a price and dlmtechgarage@gmail.com
Do I need to take out the heatsinks to change the battery? Cos I don't want to affect the thermal paste.
yes
I have this exact pc , and I am wondering what CPU (due to modern games being extremely graphics heavy) will suit this machine best.
I am thinking of a I5-10400F but it is very expensive. I am trying to find a cheaper CPU that works better than the i5 4590, any suggestions welcome
(side note, trying to run csgo at 70+ fps on high/medium graphics or above)
an i7 4790 would be your best bet as it the only cpu you can upgrade from the i5
Nice vid. Very helpful!
What's the total ram you have installed?
And would you know the max ram that the alpha supports?
i ran 16gb, but 4th gen supports 32gb,
can it be plugged into a tv and i assume it has steam preloaded and if so it still has service.
yes!
The USB device under the motherboard looks to be a receiver for the Steam controller.
yup def is, learned that later on.
Can you install SteamOS 3.0 on this let us know how it works? I'm considering getting one.
i don't have this pc no more.
did you can make a video with 2021, I think with the steam deck, the steam os start be popular, and more devs start make more games for linux,
that is true. I need to get one in the garage to work on. don't have them any more.
I have an i3 du07 version of this. Wjats the latest chip and ram I can upgrade this to in Dec 2023? Also can you show to upgrade to windows 11? Thank you
I got flagged by youtube last time I tried to show it.
I replaced the CMOS battery twice, cleaned the RAM sticks, and checked for continuity between the HDMI solder points, and I still have no picture, any help?
not sure what it would be. you still getting the yellow light? only time I had that issue was cause one of the ram sticks went bad on me.
excellent video:
Alpha R1: YLOD: changed CMOS battery (old one was at 2.4v, new one 3.2v). Now can't get W10 to load, either from orig HDD or clean USB created from official MicroSoft Media Creation Tool (on 2 different USB drives). Tried all 5 USB ports (the underside one included). W10 occasionally loads to "Preparing Automatic Repair" (usually just gets to BSOD w/wo any script specifying fault) but then crashes, both from HDD and USB. Goes into endless reboot-crash cycles.
Originally shipped w BIOS A04, flashed it to A05 after all these fails - still no joy. Wireless card disconnected as well. 2 RAM sticks cleaned and attempts made w all combos of sticks: single/double/slot changes. Extended CMOS battery and power disconnect and power drain maneuvers.
Won't boot WinPE or Ubuntu on USB either. On-Board DELL BIOS Diagnostics reveal no faults, including the extended testing option. NO W10 load even w HDD pulled. HDD boots via USB on a different computer, as does the USB Media Creation Tool. Ubuntu USB pulls up initial Ubuntu splash screen then crashes. Considering MOBO replacement but that's a $120 ebay gamble.
But at least the YLOD is gone - all blues.....
Any ideas?
and did the CMOS/BIOS jumper reset multiple times
what type of error is the BSOD giving you. deciphering the area and codes can tell if it's hardware issue and lead you to what it is. another thing to consider is reseating the cpu and checking for dust. Check the mounts, retighten the screws and throgouhly clean and inspect the board. I had a board one time that was crashing the pc and what it was that it was not sitting properly and I had mismounted it.
@@DLMtechgarage
greatly appreciate your reply.
typically won't get past the sideways sad face on BSOD, sometimes completely blank blue, sometimes just eyes ":", sometimes eyes and frown ":(", sometimes a few words "your PC has" (doesn't finish the expected script) then crashes to black and powers off, restarts, rinse , repeat. It has gotten as far as "PAGE FAULT IN NONPAGED AREA" once, usually just flashes Blue and instantly crashes. video of it happening w my iphone lets me see that instantaneous blue screen by freeze-framing footage on phone. I haven't tried reseating the CPU but I will. Case has never been opened until the YLOD.
Also, attempting to boot from USB (I think it was w the w the WinPE) pulls up the Alienware splash screen w the alien head (bigger after flash to BIOS A05) then gives a black screen w a strip about as thick as this paragraph that is just pixilated "noise" like an old TV (although I want to think it is actually script) w the alienhead still on screen before it eventually shuts down. Ubuntu USB freezes w really big overlapping alien heads x 4 like a Ven diagram and remains frozen until power button forced shutdown.
just seems it has to be hardware since all of the USB drives I've made work on other systems, including another nearly identical Alpha R1. the only difference is the problem machine is 6 months older and crashed so badly once that it got a complete W10 clean install (after a BDAN wipe and clean).
@@kylemiller6639 i have ran into that error with bad ram. have you tried different ram.
@@DLMtechgarageRAM passed all BIOS diagnostics. Tried all 6 combos of 2 sticks swapped around in the 2 MoBo slots, and each stick alone in each slot. No joy.
Frustrating that after extensive searching with all the possible terms/combinations, I have not really found an answer to the Q: "BSOD - blank / 'eyes' only / 'eyes and frown' / no error specified / etc...
I doubt I can even clean install W10 bc - - - Alpha won't boot from USB or HDD. I will try re-seating the CPU/new paste, new paste on GPU, and swipe known good RAM from my other Alpha. At Midnight, on Winter Solstice, in a Mylar tent, facing Round Rock, after fasting, .......
You have the crappy one get the alpha one its better has windows on it and works just fine 👍😁alienwere should never have nade a steam one crap lol fab video👍😁
yea I had the alpha too. faster, upgradeably and just a cooler look. YEa that whole machine with steam was not too great in my opinoin. good idea, just poorly implemented.
Try steam os3.0 on this plz holo iso
Where can I get replacement screws for the case?
ebay
I watch your other videos, about the steam os, as it's been out dated for a long time. It's why gameros maybe closer thing to steamos, and much more updated. If people just want console like os only. But Windows will be much better if people want to play the anit cheat games, or games thats are not part of steam. If you do ever go back trying steamos or gameros, turn on proton, it will open the doors for windows games be installed with in linux, and played, depends on the game.
good info muhch appreciated it. been hearing alot about that gameros, i might need to look into that.
@@DLMtechgarage I reply back to you in other videos. it's nice os to mess around. :)
@@ZaberfangX Thanks!
Hi do you have problems with not working USB ports? maybe you can help me with this problem?
I have not. maybe drivers, a bios update, not sure what would cause it outside of the ports being damaged.
Do you build pc rebuild & upgrades for customers
I do
everytime i turn off my alienware alpha, i have to get into the machine and disconnect the cmos everytime i want to play it, then i have to assemble it back together, is there a way i can fix this?
You using a new or old battery? That's typically the issue for the yellow light or cmos issue. Haven't heard of that issue in particular.
Put CR2032 batt holder in usb receiver compartment😀
What EGPU’s are compatible for this? Looked everywhere and couldn’t find an answer.
I can confirm a 1080 work as I have had a few friends rocking a 1080 with it.
@@DLMtechgarage by chance do you know any EGPU’s with a 1080?
Wouldn't the dongle be the controller receiver
Didn't even think about that, but could be.
Did you figure out how to change the Alienware logo and steam logo color
yea you can download the software from dells website and it will allow you to customize it. it's not specific to the steam OS.
It's called alienware command center on dell website
@@bocard80 Thanks!
How would I have dual monitors for this?
not sure, don't have it anymore and never used it for dual monitors.....
Hi are there any ssds that won't fit? I have windows 7 installed do I just need to clone my hdd to ssd to make it work ?
Nope. You can use any,. Cloning would be the easiest way to do it but a fresh install is couldnt hurt and would give you a good start. with this machine and a ssd def go windows 10. The SSD is really all you need to get a good experience.
@@DLMtechgarage fresh install is awful , but I am not sure if just cloning steam sata to ssd will work , and I lived for so long with yellow light that I figured out when it blinks I plug out power cord wait about 5 seconds and put it again works 99% of time , and it starts normally , I have Dell Steam Machine and heard that it needs to be 9mm SSD or something
@@WildBeret the clonning will work I have done it that before for customer upgrades. As far as the SSD I have yet to find out about a specific one but I have used samsung, corsair and Adata and had no issue if it's the same one in this video. yea the yellow light is annoying but it's not to bad of a fix.
@@DLMtechgarage thx , also lol that video about ram and cockroaches
Hi bro, i need some help for the cmos battery, how do you buy it? from where? im have the issue yesterday and i need to found a replacement
www.amazon.com/Battery-Alienware-Alpha-Machine-Desktop/dp/B07CLC97ZY
@@DLMtechgarage thanks for the link
@@206deeznutz np
@@DLMtechgarage Hey there. I'm trying to fix mine. Would this battery work on a i3?
@@WastedYear1 yup, goes by model not by cpu.
Sir i changed my processor, gpu, grafix chip thermal paste after this my r1 not going power on 😭 plz tell me what should i do now
check your wiring and connections and make sure it is all proper, Then try the old cpu to see if it works still. When checking the cpu, check the pins to make sure no excess thermal paste got in it or anything got bent.
so what other build are u gonna do
not sure, def give some ideas.
Can u tell me what tipe of ram i need like a name and model number or so on
I got ddr 3 sodimm Samsung brand
@@DLMtechgarage thanks
Is it possible to install an ssd
Yes
Hi , I mad mistake and bought this "Component Warehouse Compatible with Dell Alienware 13 R1 R2 for 3550 E5450 E5550 E7440 Replacement CMOS Bios Rtc Laptop Battery" you can check out pics on google , will it fit that outlet ? thanks
link to the one i bought.
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B087ZB1HQC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
@@DLMtechgarage will soldering the right socket with cables from not working battery to the new battery which is the same will work? also a fu game udpate fu up my machine it ended up with yellow light probably because of restart the game was loading but fans were loud like newer before suddenly some crash and some shit like dumping memory pop up and then it restarted or turned off , now I have only yellow light and I am afraid that something worse happened , maybe it got overheat too much I never changed thermal paste
@@WildBeret my money would be on the overheating issue. as far as the soldering im not sure.
@@DLMtechgarage thanks , that is why it shut down? that was protection against overheating and damaging ?
@@WildBeret most computers yes. its a safety feature. not sure if alienware has it but it def could be.
Parts an tools list?
Below is amazon links to what I used.
Memory
www.amazon.com/Samsung-204-pin-PC3L-12800-1600MHz-M471B1G73EB0-YK0/dp/B01BFFIFH8/ref=sr_1_7?keywords=ddr3+sodimm&qid=1662586286&sprefix=ddr3+sodimm%5C%2Caps%2C93&sr=8-7
battery
www.amazon.com/dp/B07CLC97ZY/ref=sspa_dk_detail_1?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B07CLC97ZY&pd_rd_w=bniQ4&content-id=amzn1.sym.ea4fd32b-1001-4f9b-9dd5-0bce86fe8110&pf_rd_p=ea4fd32b-1001-4f9b-9dd5-0bce86fe8110&pf_rd_r=9ZHXFY6EFWJBXR5BEA2K&pd_rd_wg=StGld&pd_rd_r=8851da28-c670-411f-890d-4d158746c225&s=pc&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWxfdGhlbWF0aWM&smid=A1UUY2LINKNAU6&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFNVjIyNzBBSEVISUgmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTAzMTY2MzQxS0oxS0RGRk0wOUFCJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA3MjA2NzIySTA0QVlTMURPSU1HJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfZGV0YWlsX3RoZW1hdGljJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==
SSD
www.amazon.com/Silicon-Power-Performance-Internal-SP512GBSS3A55S25/dp/B07997QV4Z/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=512gb+ssd&qid=1662586457&s=electronics&sprefix=512%2Celectronics%2C77&sr=1-3
toolkit
www.amazon.com/iFixit-Pro-Tech-Toolkit-Electronics/dp/B01GF0KV6G/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=ifixit+tool+kit&qid=1662586491&s=electronics&sprefix=ifix%2Celectronics%2C75&sr=1-5
How can i get bios baterri ?
They sell it on Amazon or Ebay.
Can they run gta 5? I’ve been wanting to get one and do some upgrades to it. That way I’d have a minimal space taken up.
It can be don't expect any great fps. The gpu is a little weak
Nice video. Now that you install windows 10 can you change the color of the logo or always stay blue?
yea you can download the alien ware software and change it.
@@DLMtechgarage ok thank you so much
Where can I buy the battery?
amazon. link below
www.amazon.com/Battery-Alienware-Alpha-Machine-Desktop/dp/B07CLC97ZY/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=alienware+steam+machine+battery&qid=1629678566&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&smid=A14144ATSHWAPK&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyNURKWEFLT1pJREtOJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUExMDQ0ODM2MzFISlo3Szg4UkY2ViZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNjg2OTY4MjFVM0dLTEZFRDNHSiZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=
Is this the alpha r2
nahh its the r1 with the 4th gen intel.
Just use Steam OS, unless you want to download Steam
Nice. What are the specs?
I7 4570T, upgraded ram to 16gb DDR3 500gb SSD GTX 860m equivalent with 2gb DDR5
@@DLMtechgarage I have a messed up dim slot so I can only use one slot. Would I be able to use on 16gb stick in one slot?
yo-yo
oye!!!!
you do know you can install windows i install windows into my alienware r1 lol i played fortnite on this but this new season is kind off killing older rigs
yea that is the better way to go with them.
sadly i gave up on this machine it is on my shelf only lasted me 6 months i build a full desk top instead replacing the mother board and battery it got annoying @@DLMtechgarage
Batocera...
I have 2 and that is what I am doing with them. Who is up for some Donkey Kong? Err... Nintendo sues everyone... use the generic Big Kong... :) No need for quarters...
I’m over here fuming that my iFixIt drivers don’t fit in this poorly built machine only to find this video. Headed to the store now for a dainty little Phillips #2 to get the job done smh
dang suprised that kit did not have what you needed. my kit worked for everything.
@@DLMtechgarage I meant that the included drivers are slightly too big so I had to buy a thinner one to reach the screws.
Steam OS is way better
its been improved?
dont put it on its side you monster
lol..
I don't recommend following this video. You can't see where and which parts to assemble back on.
So weird they soldered the GPU right to the board. Lenovo and HP both made some little 1 liter systems like this and both managed to have a Low Profile Quadro GPU in them and they used a custom cooling solution. the Lenovo Thinkstation p320/330 used a 90degree riser card and a fat heatpipe to carry the heat from the gpu to be inline with the CPU fan. and the HP z2 g4 mini used an MXM module with a heatsink and its own blower fan. TBH either of those solutions would have worked on this thing. Yet again Alienware and dell being dell not letting you upgrade anything. those fuckers. Also you can put Xeon e3-12xx v5/v6 in the Alpha r2, but they are basically just locked versions of the Core i series CPUs but they are much cheaper so a e3-1280v6 is like half the price of an i7 7700k. I heard you can also mod the BIOS on 6th and 7th gen intel motherboards with a mod called COFFEE TIME to get 8th and 9th gen cpus to work since they use the same socket but its only really advised on motherboards with some good power delivery since 8th and 9th gen have higher TDPs than 6th and 7th gen.